Does Horizons recommend private or public Medical Insurance in Australia?

At Horizons, we focus on providing our employees with the best possible support for their health and wellbeing. In Australia, the healthcare system is primarily public, and we believe in leveraging the excellent services available through this system. Here’s why we don’t offer private medical insurance and why the public healthcare system is a great option for employees:


Why Private Medical Insurance is Not Offered

While private medical insurance is available in Australia, it can come with significant costs, especially when considering the high tax implications. Premiums for private health coverage would be heavily taxed, which could almost double the cost of healthcare for employers providing it. Due to these high costs and taxes, we do not offer private medical insurance as part of our employee benefits package.


Why Public Healthcare Works Well in Australia

Australia’s public healthcare system, known as Medicare, provides accessible, high-quality healthcare to all residents. The system covers most essential health services, including doctor visits, hospital treatments, and emergency services. Medicare is funded through taxes and is available to all Australian citizens and permanent residents, making it a reliable option for healthcare.


While private insurance can offer additional benefits such as faster access to elective surgeries or more choice of healthcare providers, Medicare remains highly effective for most healthcare needs. It ensures that Australians can access necessary care without out-of-pocket expenses for standard treatments.


Additional Health Benefits

In addition to Medicare, Australians can also take advantage of various other programs like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to reduce the costs of prescription medications. Many Australians also choose to opt for private health insurance to cover areas like dental, vision, and physiotherapy, which are not covered by Medicare.

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